10 Lessons I Wish I Knew
Before Starting My Business
Real-world wisdom from the trenches of entrepreneurship — from someone who’s been there.
Starting a business is thrilling—but it’s also chaotic, unpredictable, and filled with curveballs. After building multiple companies, producing national radio shows, writing over 40 books, and turning films into Prime Video successes, these are the truths I wish I’d learned earlier. These aren’t theories. They’re scars and victories.
1. Passion is the spark, but discipline is the fuel.
In 2004, I released two albums on CD. I was 21, hungry, and full of passion. But passion wasn’t what got those records into the world—discipline was. Waking up early, recording through the night, promoting on weekends. That same discipline built The Cold Call King, the High Rise movie franchise, and Impact & Influence Magazine. Passion might light the fire, but discipline keeps it burning.
2. Not every client is a good client.
Back when I was doing website and video work for small businesses, I used to take on any client who waved a check. That was a mistake. I remember one business owner who micromanaged every pixel, paid late, and drained my energy. I realized I wasn’t just selling a service—I was selling my peace. Now, I work only with people who respect the process and the value I bring.
3. Cash flow is more important than profit.
I once ran a Ferrari parts business that looked profitable on paper. Big invoices, flashy parts, international buyers. But I was constantly waiting on payments, juggling supplier costs, and managing razor-thin margins. It wasn’t sustainable. It taught me that cash in hand beats paper profits. You can’t pay your rent with "pending transactions."
4. You don’t need to be everywhere.
For years, I spread myself across every platform—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, LinkedIn—trying to be everywhere at once. It wasn’t until I focused my energy on YouTube and podcasting that I saw serious growth. One short a day, one regular video at noon and midnight—that’s what took my channel from 100 to 900 views daily. Focus wins.
5. Branding isn’t your logo—it’s your reputation.
When people think of JRQTV or The Jon Robert Quinn Show, they don’t think of a logo. They think of a feeling. A standard. A story. That’s branding. Whether it’s a film premiere, a radio show, or a children’s book—every piece has my fingerprint. Your brand is the emotional memory people carry after experiencing your work.
6. Work-life balance is a myth—prioritize what matters.
When I decided to take a year off from filming after High Rise 4: Peril to Prosperity, it wasn’t burnout—it was clarity. I wanted to focus on YouTube growth, family, and building Impact & Influence Magazine. Balance doesn’t mean equal—it means intentional. Some seasons are hustle. Others are harvest. Know which one you’re in.
7. Systems save sanity.
Running Impact & Influence Magazine alongside films, music, and business consulting would be impossible without systems. Calendars. Templates. Content queues. Automations. Delegation. I used to do everything myself. Now I train the system, and the system trains the business.
8. Feedback is a gift, even when it stings.
I once had a well-meaning fan say, “Your work is great, but your website looks like it’s from 2006.” It hurt—but they were right. I revamped everything and saw better conversion within weeks. Your audience will tell you exactly what they need—if you’re humble enough to listen.
9. Protect your mindset like your business depends on it.
Because it does. The difference between success and burnout is mindset. I read, I write, I reflect. I avoid negativity. When I’m around winners—on set, in the studio, or at networking events—I feel elevated. Your environment will either feed your dreams or your doubts. Choose wisely.
10. Done is better than perfect.
I didn’t wait until I had million-dollar equipment to start filming High Rise. I didn’t wait for a publishing deal to release my first book. And I sure didn’t wait for a huge team to build Impact & Influence Magazine. I just started. And each time, I figured it out as I went. Perfection is the enemy of progress. Launch now. Adjust later.
